“I’m scared of hurting you, even more than I have.”

She frowns more. “It helps a lot if you talk to me, if you don’t walk away. I-if you answer my messages.” Hanging her head, she adds, “I thought when you didn’t reply that I would never see you again.” Gulping, she goes on, “I had rather love you and be with you, even if we fight, than be apart.”